Aim: 

Obesity in children is an increasingly public health problem. It has been related with early Metabolic Syndrome (MS). Furthermore, there is recently evidence that atherogenesis is due to a chronic inflammatory process. This research assesses the prevalence of MS, C-reactive protein (CRP) and adiponectin serum levels, and its relationship with the classical cardiovascular risk factors, in obese Spanish children.

Methods: 

Cross-sectional study. Forty two obese children (26 boys), 11.9 2.8 years old and 44 age and sex matched controls. Anthropometrical measurements, BP, lipid profile, apo A, apo B-100, CRP and adiponectin were determined.

Results: 

Obese children showed higher systolic blood pressure (BP) (121.2 vs 114.2 mmHg; p=0.006), CRP (2.3 vs 0.7 mg/L; p< 0.001) and triglycerides (80.3 vs 53.7 mg/dL; p<0.001), and lower HDL-C (49.5 vs 64.0 mg/dL; p<0.001) and apo A (137.5 vs 157.8 mg/dL; p=0.003) values. Obese children showed lower adiponectin values but only in those higher than 11 years, differences adjusted by age and sex were statistically significant (p=0.012). MS was present in 38.9% of obese children and none of the control children (p=0.001).

Conclusion: 

Obese children show a high prevalence of MS with a complex and deleterious atherogenic profile.

Sources of Support: Institute Carlos III (FIS 06/1463) grant.